The Pillars of Unity

Richard Akinola Fayose was born in August 1919 in Oketoro Quarters, Iyin Ekiti, to the family of late John Fayose and Esther Faboya of Igbonringbon compound. He spent a good deal of time with his parents before moving to Ora in Kwara State to live with his uncle, late Chief S.P. Oloyede, who was then a Headmaster in one of the schools in Ora.

Expectedly, he started his primary school in Ora and proceeded to complete same at St. Marks Primary School in Offa, Kwara State, in 1940.

Following his excellent performance in his primary school final exams, he got a teaching job in Osogbo, Osun State, where his illustrious career as a teacher began in earnest.

Given his penchant for excellence, he applied to further his education at the famous St Andrew’s College, Oyo. He was admitted in 1944 and graduated from St Andrew’s in 1947.

Between 1947 and 1952, he was a teacher at Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti, where he was also an Interpreter to the British Development Officer in Ado Ekiti District, Mr. Benson. With the help of other six students, they persuaded Mr. Benson to help develop their area by bringing the scattered villages together in a single location that would facilitate development as a whole town.

The seven people formed a group and, with the help of Mr. Benson, were able to initiate the process of identifying a proper location for the four villages, namely Iro, Ibedoyin, Oketoro and Okesale, where they all came together to form the present day Iyin-Ekiti.

Richard Akinola Fayose was the Chairman of Ado-Ekiti Council in the 1950s.

He applied to study at Nigeria’s premier university, the University of Ibadan, and was granted admission in 1951. However, due to paucity of funds, he could not commence his university education until 1952. He finally graduated with Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Degree in Latin, English and Linguistics from the University of Ibadan in 1959. 

In 1960, he met Regina Oluwafunmilayo Arogunmati and they got married the same year. Their marriage is blessed with six (6) children and many grandchildren who are all doing very well in their chosen fields.

Richard Akinola Fayose started his post-university teaching career at the Oyemekun Grammar School, Akure, where he rose to the position of Vice Principal. In January 1963, he was transferred to St. John Mary’s Teachers’ Training College, Owo, and became its Principal in 1965. He remained in that position until 1975. While in Owo, he was reputed to have encouraged and mentored thousands of students to attend and graduate from the institution.

He moved to Ifaki Grammar School in September 1975 and thereafter to the Teachers’ Training College, Usi-Ekiti. In September 1976, he was transferred to the Teachers’ College, Ode-Aye, and in 1977, he was again transferred to Gboluji Grammar School, Ile-Oluji. His stint at Gboluji, where he retired, would remain very memorable in his career as he was fondly nick-named Baculo. 

Having served as Chairman of Ado Ekiti Council in the late 50s, it came as no surprise when Richard Akinola Fayose, upon retirement from teaching, decided to once again serve his people.

Late Engr. Charles Obafunmilayo Aderiye (Fellow, Royal Institute of Marine Engineers, Chartered Engineer and Naval Architect) was born in 1927 to the illustrious Aderiye family of Oketoro in Iyin Ekiti.

He was the first child of Joseph T. Aderiye (Petu Oloja Oketoto from 1938 to 1962) and Victoria Olaiya Aderiye.

He attended Catholic Primary School and Christ’s School, both in Ado Ekiti (1945-1950). He thereafter joined the Nigerian Ports Authority as a Cadet Marine Engineer.

He proceeded to the United Kingdom for further studies in 1956 as a Federal Government Scholar and qualified as a Marine Engineer in 1960. He remained in the UK for further studies in Naval Architecture, qualifying as a Naval Architect (one of the first in Nigeria) in 1963. He returned to Nigeria in 1963 to resume work at the Nigeria Ports Authority.

As a Form Six student in Christ School in 1950, he alongside his classmates attended a lecture, on Town Planning as a career, given by T. H. Benson, an expatriate Town Planner in the services of the Colonial Government of Nigeria. After the lecture, he along with four other students and two of their teachers, all Iyin indigenes, approached the lecturer, T. H. Benson, on how their home town of Iyin Ekiti could benefit from his lecture.

At that time, Iyin was located in four different settlements namely (from Ado Ekiti end) Uro, Ibedoyin, Oketoro and Okelawe (at the Igede end). They implored Benson and his team to approach the then Oluyin, Oba Owolabi I, without disclosing their identities because of local politics.

Bedson met Oluyin and his Principal Chiefs, namely Petu Aderiye (Charles Aderiye's father), Odofiyin Obalore Esan, Odofin Olubobokun and the Asisin of Uro. Consequent upon their visit, they chose the present site as the most suitable for the town.

Charles Aderiye retired from NPA in 1997, having served meritoriously in many capacities, including Superintendent Marine Engineer, Dockyard Manager, Lagos and Port Harcourt Dorkyards, as well as Director, Engineering Services - a post he held till his retirement.

After retirement, he championed the formation of the Nigerian Institute of Marine Engineers. He was the Charter President till his death in 1999. 

In recognition of your exemplary leadership and selfless contributions to the relocation of Iyin Ekiti from its old site to the present site, we posthumously honor you today.

Your tireless efforts, vision, and collaboration with your contemporaries will remain indelible in the history of our town. Your ability to work harmoniously with others, building consensus and driving progress, has been a hallmark of your leadership.

Through your dedication and perseverance, you have helped shape the future of Iyin Ekiti, creating a thriving community that continues to grow and flourish. Your legacy serves as a testament to the power of collective action and community spirit. 

May this citation serve as a tribute to your outstanding contributions and a reminder of the impact that one person can make in the life of others. 

Jacob Akintoye Ariyo  was born into the family of James Ariyo, the son of Aposo Ajamina, and his mother, Eye Fasenu. He was one of three siblings, alongside Eye Subulade and Johnson Ariyo.

His early education began at Babamuboni School, where children not only learned but also contributed to the Reverend’s farm, reflecting the communal spirit of the time. Jacob apprenticed as a blacksmith while still in primary school, honing his skills at a young age.

For his secondary education, he attended the prestigious Christ’s School in Ado-Ekiti. While there, he and six others took on the remarkable task of leading the unification and resettlement of Iyin Ekiti.

After completing secondary school, he briefly worked at the Nigerian Railways in Ibadan, before traveling to the United Kingdom to further his education. 

In the United Kingdom, Jacob initially worked as an auxiliary nurse, training on the job to qualify as a nurse. His career interests later shifted to hotel and catering management, which became his professional focus.

In the UK, Jacob met and married Susannah Olayiwole Kajero at St. John’s Anglican Church in Notting Hill, London. Their union was blessed with the following children:

1. Miss Eyitope Ariyo (deceased)

2. ⁠Mrs. Oluyemisi Whyte

3. ⁠Mr. Olusegun Ariyo (deceased)

4. ⁠Otunba Olutoye Ariyo

5. ⁠Mr. Olukayode Ariyo

6. ⁠Miss. Temitope Ariyo

Their first daughter, Eyitope (deceased), was born in 1960. Shortly after her birth, the couple relocated to Nigeria, leaving Eyitope in the care of her nanny, Brenda Grimsey, in Gillingham, Margate, to continue her education.

Upon returning to Nigeria, Jacob and Susannah secured employment at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan. After some years, Jacob transitioned to work with Western Nigerian Hotels, starting at Premier Hotel, Ibadan. His dedication and leadership were rewarded when he became the first Nigerian General Manager of the hotel, a position he held until his retirement in 1974. After retiring, he founded his own business, Hotel Influential Ltd.

Jacob Akintoye Ariyo tragically passed away on August 24th, 1978, from injuries sustained in a car accident. He was survived by his loving wife and his lovely children and grandchildren.

A philanthropist and a devoted member of the Anglican Church, Jacob Akintoye Ariyo’s legacy lives on through his contributions to society and the lives he touched.

In recognition of your exemplary leadership and selfless contributions to the relocation of Iyin Ekiti from its old site to the present site, we posthumously honor you today.

Your tireless efforts, vision, and collaboration with your contemporaries will remain indelible in the history of our town. Your ability to work harmoniously with others, building consensus and driving progress, has been a hallmark of your leadership.

Through your dedication and perseverance, you have helped shape the future of Iyin Ekiti, creating a thriving community that continues to grow and flourish. Your legacy serves as a testament to the power of collective action and community spirit. 

May this citation serve as a tribute to your outstanding contributions and a reminder of the impact one person can make in the life of others. 

Late Chief Abiodun Ogundele, JP was born on Friday, 7th March, 1930 - "OKETORO'S IGBORU DAY".

He attended All Saints School, Iyin, in 1937.  After stints at St. Marks, Ise-Ekiti, St Jude’s, Ebute Meta and Methodist School, Yaba, both in Lagos, he returned to All Saints School, lyin, to complete his primary education before proceeding to Christ's School, Ado-Ekiti.

From January 1944, he became one of the first set of students to be fully accommodated and fed (referred to as full boarders) in that school. Before then, students cooked their meals. It was at Christ's School that he made most of his lifelong friends.

He graduated from Christ’s School in December 1950, passing the Cambridge School Certificate Examination in flying colours. From, 1951, he worked in ten different offices, including the Nigerian Customs, Apapa, and the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, where he spent the next twenty-five years.

In 1954, he got the Western Nigeria Scholarship and then a federal scholarship to study limb fitting in Roehampton, London. Upon his return to Nigeria in 1956, he worked briefly with Western Nigeria Government before he was seconded to the Federal Government. He was transferred to Ibadan in 1962 to establish the Orthopedic Rehabilitation Centre at Jericho. He then worked with University College Hospital [UCH], Ibadan, and the Western State Hospitals.

He went to the United States of America for training with the World Health Organisation [WHO] and came back to Nigeria in 1969 to become the first Nigerian to be awarded the Fellowship of the Society of Limb Fitters of Great Britain (FSAL). He attended the First World Congress of the International Society of Prosthetists and Orthotists in Switzerland with many other Nigerians in 1974 and became an ISPO member.

When Ondo State was created in 1976, he had the privilege of serving the new State as Head of Department in the Ministry of Health. He retired in May 1976 to become the first Civil Servant in Ondo State to retire from the Ministry of Health .He was a member of lyin Rising Stars and one of the committee members that brought Iyin to its present site.

He served as the Secretary, lyin Progressives Union, Lagos (1952-54); Founder, Egbe Omo Ekiti in United Kingdom and Ireland in 1954; President, lyin Progressives Union, Ibadan, from 1963; President, Ibadan Bodija Rotary Club, 1997/98 and Interim President, Iyin Progressive Federal Union (2006-2007).

In 2005, Chief Ogundele, who held the title of Amuagun of Iyin, returned to settle at home. 

He was the Chairman of Davies Hotel Ltd, Ibadan. 

He died in Ibadan on Wednesday, June 25th 2014 and was laid to rest in Iyin on July 25th 2014. May his gentle soul continue to rest in peace.

In recognition of your exemplary leadership and selfless contributions to the relocation of Iyin Ekiti from its old site to the present site, we posthumously honor you today.

Your tireless efforts, vision, and collaboration with your contemporaries will remain indelible in the history of our town. Your ability to work harmoniously with others, building consensus and driving progress, has been a hallmark of your leadership.

Through your dedication and perseverance, you have helped shape the future of Iyin Ekiti, creating a thriving community that continues to grow and flourish. Your legacy serves as a testament to the power of collective action and community spirit. 

May this citation serve as a tribute to your outstanding contributions and a reminder of the impact one person can make in the life of others. 

Chief John Obafemi Olofin  was born on May 13, 1929 to the family of late Pa David Ojo and Madam Lydia Olayinka Olofin. He was the first son of his parents and belonged to the Petu Royal family of Oketoro quarters, Iyin Ekiti. 

Chief Olofin started his elementary school at Iyin Ekiti before proceeding to Christ's school, Ado Ekiti, for his secondary school education in 1945.

While in Christ's School, he was among the seven Iyin Ekiti sons who worked hard to consolidate several small settlements into the present-day town of Iyin Ekiti. 

The 7-member committee for the unification of Iyin Ekiti was made up of C. A. Olosunde, R. A. Fayose (both teachers), Abiodun Ogundele, Akintayo Ariyo, Charles Aderiye, Frederick Popoola and Obafemi Olofin (all students).

This opportunity offered the members of the committee a greater scope of responsibility, which was to blossom their various careers in the future. 

In 1958, Chief Olofin got married to his heartthrob, Susan Abosede Olofin, at Ondo Town. The union was blessed with six children, namely Ayodele Olofin (deceased), Olusegun Olofin, Akinola Olofin, Olurotimi Olofin, Abiodun Olofin and Tolulope Nwegbu (nee Olofin).

Chief Olofin's working career in the Federal Civil Service started at the Federal Meteorological Department in Kano. He worked in several Ministries until 1986 when he retired from active service at the Cabinet Office in the military administration of Gen. Muhammad Buhari. 

In addition to his service to the nation, Chief Olofin also served his hometown well, which resulted in his being conferred with the chieftaincy title of Bobagbimo of Iyin Ekiti in 1983 by the then Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Julius Owolabi.

Chief Olofin passed away in Lagos on May 6th, 2015, at the ripe age of 86 years.

In recognition of your exemplary leadership and selfless contributions to the relocation of Iyin Ekiti from its old site to the present site, we posthumously honor you today.

Your tireless efforts, vision and collaboration with your contemporaries will remain indelible in the the history of our town. Your ability to work harmoniously with others, building consensus and driving progress, has been a hallmark of your leadership.

Through your dedication and perseverance, you have helped shape the future of Iyin Ekiti, creating a thriving community that continues to grow and flourish. Your legacy serves as a testament to the power of collective action and community spirit. 

May this citation serve as a tribute to your outstanding contributions and a reminder of the impact that one person can make in the life of others. 

Late Chief Claudius Akinyemi Olosunde (J.P) was born in 1921 to the family of late Chief Daniel Daramola Olosunde (Asaremo of Iyanrin-Ibedoyin) and Late Abigail Omoyemi Olosunde. His paternal and maternal grandmothers - ‘Simisola and ‘Biremo - were the direct daughters of Oluyin Oketagidigidi and Ewi Aroloye, Ado-Ekiti.

He was mentored by the likes of late Mr. T.V Aderinola, late Michael Adekunle Ajasin (Executive Governor of Ondo State, 1979-1983), late Chief S.P. Oloyede, late Chief Dallimore and Burton (expatriates) – all indefatigable education administrators and patriots who had great influence in molding his life.

His education saw him attending many schools, including Saint Mark Primary School, Iyin-Ekiti (1931-1933), Emmanuel School, Ado Ekiti (1934-1939), Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti (1938- 1939), and Saint Andrew’s College, Oyo (1944-1947). He passed the London Matriculation examination (and supplementary LATIN) between June 1949-December 1952.

He had an extensive teaching career at All Saint’s School, Osogbo (1942-1943), Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti, where he was School Master (1948-1951), Ibadan Grammar School (October 1951- December 1951), Baptist School, Isanlu-Isin, Kwara State (1951-1952), Ekiti Divisional Teachers’ Training College (1953-1955) and Senior Tutor, Ado Grammar School. Ado-Ekiti.

He became the first principal at the African Church Teachers’ Training College, Epinmi-Akoko, where he served from 1955 to 1964.

His social and political roles included the following: 

• Member, Ewi-in-Council (1949-1950);
• Chairman, Ado District Council (1955-1958);
• Secretary, Local Schools Board, Owo/Akoko/Akure & Ondo/Okitipupa Divisions (1968- 1972);
• Secretary, Local Schools Board, Ekiti Division (1973-1975);
• Member, Rent Tribunal, Ado Ekiti Central Local Government, 1977;
• Board member, Agric Credit Corporation, Ondo State (1979-1983);
• Member of Action Group and Unity Party of Nigeria and Patron, Unity Party of Nigeria, Ekiti Central (1979-1983);
• “Seriki” of Anglican Church, Iyin-Ekiti (1965);
• Justice of Peace (JP) in 1986

Late Chief Claudius Akinyemi Olosunde (JP) was the leader of the founding fathers of “Iyin Rising Stars” (formed in 1945) - a group of educated young men of Iyin, who took it upon themselves to highlight the advantages of women education as well as peace and unity among the main four quarters of Iyin, efforts that led to movement to the current site of the town in 1954.

He died in……….. 

In recognition of your exemplary leadership and selfless contribution to the relocation of Iyin Ekiti from its old site to the present site, we posthumously honor you today.

Your tireless efforts, vision and collaboration with your contemporaries remain indelible in the history of our town. Your ability to work harmoniously with others, building consensus and driving progress, was a hallmark of your leadership.

Through your dedication and perseverance, you helped shape the future of Iyin Ekiti, creating a thriving community that continues to grow and flourish. Your legacy serves as a testament to the power of collective action and community spirit. 

May this citation serve as a tribute to your outstanding contributions and a reminder of the impact one person can make in the life of others. 

Pa Fredrick Olurinde Popoola was born in Ireke Ibedoyin quarters, Iyin Ekiti, on March 6th, 1929 to the family of Chief Okoni and Mrs. Beatrice Aina Olawumi Popoola, a descendant of the Alafin of Oyo Adeyemi 1. He was born into a Christian family and was baptised and confirmed in 1945. He was a member of the Amuludun Society of Babamuboni Memorial Church.

In his formative years, he attended All Saints Primary School, Iyin-Ekiti, and Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti (1945-1950). He sat for Cambridge examination in 1950 and passed with flying colours.

Pa Fredrick Olurinde Popoola's classmates were Chief Abiodun Ogundele, Chief J.O. Olofin, Mr. C. O. Aderiye and late Mr. Akintoye Ariyo.

After passing the required examination, Pa Fredrick Olurinde Popoola relocated to Lagos in 1950 and joined the Nigeria Railways Corporation in 1952. He excelled at work and was made the station master, a post which he held till he retired in 1964. His schedule of work took him to various parts of the country.

From 1964 to 1970, he took a series of ACCA courses, on the completion of which he joined Ogunleye & Co., an Audit firm with the main pre-occupation of auditing the accounts of companies and organizations, and rose to the level of a partner. While he worked there, he took a series of ICAN courses at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, with the aim of becoming a Chartered Accountant. He, however, retired and relocated to Ibadan in 1998.

In 1955, he got married to Esther, with whom he lived a happy and fulfilled life and had six children and many grandchildren.

He believed firmly in education, telling his children that the best asset to bequeath to one's children is a sound education. Nothing exemplifies this more than the fact that he trained all his children. 

He was a staunch member of Ibadan branch of Iyin Progressives Union for many years, during which he also held many posts.

He was among the seven indigenes of Iyin-Ekiti who initiated the movement from old Iyin site to the present day Iyin. These included Chief Abiodun Ogundele, Mr. C. O. Aderiye, Chief J. O. Olofin, Chief C. A. Olosunde, Mr. Richard Akinola Fayose and Mr. Akintoye Ariyo, all of blessed memories.

He was an active member of the Onward Society of Saint Annes Church, Ibadan. He was so loved by the members that when he could no longer attend church services due to ill health, they deemed it fit to pay him regular visits with gifts.

Pa Fredrick Olurinde Popoola died on Friday August 4th, 2008, aged 77, having lived a life of fruitful service, devotion to duty and faith in the Almighty God.

In recognition of your exemplary leadership and selfless contributions to the relocation of Iyin Ekiti from its old site to the present site, we posthumously honor you today.

Your tireless efforts, vision, and collaboration with your contemporaries will remain indelible in the history of our town. Your ability to work harmoniously with others, building consensus and driving progress, has been a hallmark of your leadership.

Through your dedication and perseverance, you have helped shape the future of Iyin Ekiti, creating a thriving community that continues to grow and flourish. Your legacy serves as a testament to the power of collective action and community spirit. 

May this citation serve as a tribute to your outstanding contributions and a reminder of the impact that one person can make on the life of others.